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QW annual testing of PRISM-911 system

The city will be launching its eighth annual PRISM-911 verification process Thursday.
The emergency notification system will automatically call more than 15,000 phone numbers included in its data base.
During last year’s verification process more than 95 per cent of the city’s PRISM-911 database was verified, said Ed Woods, manager of technology.
City staff are asking residents when they receive a PRISM-911 — between 6:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m., Monday through Friday – they answer the questions asked by PRISM Verification.
“If you do not, or hang up, the system recognizes that it has not completed the process and it will keep calling your number a few days later as it attempts to complete the verification,” said Woods.
PRISM verification will ask to confirm the number called is for the address noted in its database.
“If residents have an unlisted phone number, it would be appreciated if they forward it to the city. All PRISM information remains confidential and is not forwarded or used by any other agency,” said Woods.
The city has used the PRISM program on 35 occasions since January 2008, including six occasions in 2016 for emergencies such as flooding events, boil water advisories and blue-green algae notifications.
In 2010 and 2016, PRISM-911 was used for OPP standoffs and a missing person incident.
Woods said the city has saved of “tens of thousands of dollars annually” by not requiring city and\or emergency services staff going door-to-door to notify the public during the various PRISM events to date.
The city has also developed the PRISM QWik Check application in 2010, allowing residents and business owners to go to the city’s website at www.quintewest.ca and type in their phone number and see if it is in the PRISM-911 database.
If a phone number is not in the database, residents can fill out an online form.
“The PRISM verification process is extremely important to ensure the city’s records are accurate,” said Woods.
The verification process is scheduled to run from October to December.
Residents can also call the city’s PRISM line at 613-392-2841, ext. 4545 to leave contact information .
“If you have any questions about PRISM, please call this number also and a staff member will contact you,” said Woods.
Ekuglin@postmedia.com